Recent international research provides a serious challenge to the general approach to suicide research and prevention, particularly as it applies to men. Current policy and practice are not only unhelpful to many men, but may actually compound the difficulties that men face. Unemployment is a recognised factor in a large percentage of all suicides.

There is no doubt that long swings, twelve hour shifts, long hours sitting in front of computer terminals or driving machinery, as much as you can eat and drink laid out free all day every day in the mess halls, disturbed sleep patterns from shift work and feeling too tired or that there is no time to exercise make it difficult for FIFO workers to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, there are some things you can do to lessen the load and stay fit and healthy (Scott 2000).

On September 14th of 2011, the 'What Works To Engage Dads?' forum, was held at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney.

Following on from what was a most enjoyable and most useful day, we are very pleased to share with you the report from the event. Please find a copy of the report available for you to download here.

This report provides a fitting summary of the day and we hope that you will share it around with your colleagues and in your practices.

Adopting an approach that actively includes fathers is proven to pay great dividends in improving child and family health outcomes. Not only is being father-inclusive good for your client families, it is also hugely positive for your own organisations by adopting a stance that acknowledges the vital roles of both parents in family health.

I would like to thank you for making the time to attend this forum and be part of what is very a much an innovative approach in health. And I would like to thank our sponsoring partners and speakers for making the day possible.

AIMHS has just produced a complete male health promotion kit - the first of its kind in Australia.

The kit consists of a mobile stand of 40 high quality full colour brochures, covering topics on health, relationships, and mental health.

The kit also includes 8 full colour posters printed on rigid and durable plastic corflute, with positive messages for men. These posters are light enough to stick to a wall, and rigid enough to stand on their own for a range of applications.

This is the only set of resources specifically for male health promotion of its kind in Australia.